skincare routine

One of the things a lot of people ask me about is my skincare routine, so I've included it here for your perusal!

If you're building your skincare routine from scratch, my recommendations are to start with the essentials, which are in blue below.  If you can only start with one item, you should definitely start with sunscreen, even if you spend most of your time indoors (you might still be vulnerable to UV rays!).  All the skincare products in the world can't help you if your face is being damaged by the sun.

The Order

• Oil Cleanser / Cleanser #1 (PM only)
• Foam Cleanser / Cleanser #2
• Actives (PM, every other day)
• Toner
• Skin Hydrator
• Essence
• Serum/Ampoule
• Face Mask
• Face Cream/Occlusive
• Eye Cream
• Sleeping Pack (PM only)
• Sunscreen (AM only)

Step 1: Oil Cleanser (PM only)
Oil cleanser is great for removing makeup and sunscreen.

I use one of the following:

• Hada Labo Gokujyun Oil Cleanser (currently testing)
• su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Banila Co. Clean It Zero 

Step 2: Foam Cleanser
Foam cleanser, unlike oil cleanser, will give you that fresh, clean feeling.  Make sure that the cleanser you pick doesn't make your face feel too tight or dry!  The lower the pH of the cleanser, the easier it is on your skin.

I currently use the following:

• Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash (pH 5.5)

Step 3: Actives
Actives increase your skin turnover rate, lighten dark spots, treat acne, and are usually done in the order from lowest pH level to highest, so it would usually be in the order listed below.  Give each active 15-25 minutes to fully absorb before applying the next step.  Also, be careful using these; they dry out your face like crazy!  I'd recommend starting off using this step once a week and then gradually working your way up to a point where you're comfortable).

One thing that is important to remember is to keep your Vitamin C Serum in the fridge, and avoid exposing it to the open air as much as possible.  It starts off as a very light yellow color, and when it turns into a dark orange color (or gets cloudy), it's gone bad and you should NOT use it on your face.

I use all of these, one at a time, in this order:

• OST Vitamin C 20 Serum (AM only) 
• COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol (spot treatment on acne and dark spots; PM only)
• COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (on nose, upper lip, and chin only; PM only)
• COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid (PM only)

Step 4: Toner
After your actives are soaked into your skin, you need to prepare your skin to absorb the good stuff from the upcoming steps.  It also feels niiiiiiiiice after your face is hammered by actives.

I currently use:

• Dear By Enprani Moistful Booskin (scented)

Step 5: Moisturizing Toner
This is the lightest moisturizer, and should be applied first so that it follows the general rule, which is to start with the lightest skincare products and end with the thickest (so that the lighter products have a chance to absorb).

I currently use:

• Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion (currently waiting for the Premium version to arrive)

Step 6: Essence
An essence works similar to a serum or ampoule, but is generally lighter/thinner, and sometimes watery.  Essences deliver important nutrients to your skin.

I use one of the following:

• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (Preferred)
• Tosowoong SYN-AKE Natural Pure Essence

Step 7: Serum/Ampoule
Serums and Ampoules are similar to essences, but as the ingredients are more highly concentrated, they tend to be thicker and more opaque.

I currently use one of the following:

• Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum (strong scent)
• Naruko Dermalane Zero Dark Spot Brightening Moisturizer Serum
• Tosowoong AP Therapy Timeshift Serum 

Step 8: Face Mask
Face masks are fun and easy.  I tend to throw one on my face and watch a show or two before bed.  Sometimes, I'll put one on right before bed and wear it while I sleep.  Generally, you put the mask on your face and remove when it starts to dry out, and pat the left over essence into your skin.

I bought a box of 100 masks (random selection) off of Memebox, so I'm currently going through those, though I tend to lean toward Tea Tree masks.

Step 9: Face Cream/Occlusive (PM only)
Occlusives are important to deliver that last burst of moisture and lock it in before you start or end your day.

I currently use the following:

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (PM only)
• COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream (I sometimes use this in the AM)
• Mizon Multi-Function Formula Snail Recovery Gel Cream (speeds up the pimple healing process)

Step 10: Eye Cream
Eye Creams are difficult to choose because it's hard to see results right away, but they help to keep the area around your eyes (the most sensitive part of your face) protected and moisturized.

I currently use the following:

• COSRX Honey Ceramide Eye Cream

Step 11: Sleeping Pack (PM only)
Sleeping Packs are high-occlusion creams that further lock in moisture.  They are applied and left on the face overnight.

I use both of the following:

• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Step 12: Sunscreen (AM only)
This step is the most important.  Don't leave the house without it.  Don't let the sun destroy your skin.  Unlike the typical body sunscreens that you see people use at the beach, these sunscreens aren't oily and absorb well.

Apply liberally to your face and allow it to absorb before applying makeup.

I currently use one of the following:

• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel (Preferred)